When Jobs returned to Apple in 1997 he and Sir Jonathan worked closely together on reviving Apple’s fortunes, with Jobs’ office connected to Sir Jonathan’s design lab by a corridor.

Five facts about Sir Jonathan Ive

Born in Chingford, London, his father was a silversmith who lectured at Middlesex Polytechnic. His father's Christmas gift to him would be a day in the college workshop "helping me make whatever I dreamed up".

Earlier in his career, Sir Jonathan was involved in less glamorous design projects - including designs for a sink, toilet and bath.

He is in part responsible for the design of the new lightsabres in the latest Star Wars film, 'The Force Awakens' after suggesting to director JJ Abrams they should be "more analog and more primitive".

When Steve Jobs returned to Apple, Sir Jonathan had his resignation letter in his pocket, expecting to be replaced. As it turned out, the pair hit it off (though Jobs had previosuly been looking at hiring a new designer).